Fr. Aaron J. Sandbothe

Parochial Vicar

Fr. Aaron J. Sandbothe was born in Shelby, NC in 1987, the son of Samuel and Sheryl Sandbothe. Father Aaron attended Pickens High School, graduating with honors in 2006. He went on to pursue undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in December 2011.

As a parishioner of St. Rafka Maronite Church in Greenville, SC, Fr. Aaron discerned a calling to the priesthood and entered seminary at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary in Washington, DC in August 2012. While in formation, Fr. Aaron had pastoral assignments at St. Maron Church in Philadelphia, PA, St. Louis Gonzaga Church in Utica, NY, Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY, St. Elias Church in Roanoke, VA, and St. Anthony Church in Lawrence, MA. After completing his studies and pastoral formation he graduated from The Catholic University of America School of Theology and Religious Studies with a pontifical degree in Sacred Theology in 2016.

He was ordained to the subdiaconate by Chorbishop Seely Beggiani at Our Lady of Lebanon Seminary on 14 September 2015. Bishop Gregory Mansour ordained Fr. Aaron to the diaconate at St. Rafka Church in Greenville, SC on 5 March 2016. Following his graduation and diaconate assignment, Fr. Aaron was ordained by Bishop Gregory to the sacred priesthood at St. Mary's Church in Greenville, SC on 10 September 2016.

In October 2016, Bishop Gregory assigned Father Aaron to St. Louis Gonzaga Church as parochial vicar. Besides sacramental and pastoral care, Father Aaron also serves as moderator of the Maronite Young Adults group and is assisting in the development of liturgical music at the parish.

“Mercy hath brought thee in to this house that is full of profit; think it not loss if thou remain long herein. Life flows from the service of the House of God; ye lovers of life, refuse not the profit that comes thereof!”